Top 25 Traditional Foods in Finland: From Reindeer Meat to Squeaky Cheese

Finland, located in northern Europe, is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture. But what many people don't know is that Finland has a vibrant culinary scene that is full of delicious and unique dishes. From hearty stews to delicate pastries, Finland has something to offer for every palate. In this article, we'll explore the top 25 best foods to taste in Finland.

 

Kalakukko

Kalakukko is a traditional Finnish dish that originated in the Savonia region. It's a type of pastry that is filled with fish and bacon, and then baked until golden brown. The dough is made with rye flour and hot water, which gives it a dense and chewy texture. Kalakukko is typically served with butter and lingonberry jam.

 

Karjalanpaisti

Karjalanpaisti, also known as Karelian Stew, is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold Finnish winters. It's made with a variety of meats, such as beef, pork, and lamb, as well as root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. The dish is typically cooked in a large pot or cauldron over an open flame, which gives it a smoky and rich flavor.

 

Leipäjuusto

Leipäjuusto, also known as Finnish squeaky cheese, is a unique cheese that is made from cow's milk. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and a rubbery texture, which gives it the characteristic squeaky sound when you bite into it. Leipäjuusto is typically served warm with cloudberry jam.

 

Lohikeitto

Lohikeitto, or Finnish salmon soup, is a creamy and flavorful soup that is made with fresh salmon, potatoes, onions, and cream. It's typically served with rye bread and butter and is a perfect dish for a cold winter day.

 

Mustikkapiirakka

Mustikkapiirakka, or Finnish blueberry pie, is a sweet and tangy dessert that is a staple in Finnish cuisine. The crust is made with a combination of butter, flour, and sugar, and the filling is made with fresh blueberries, sugar, and cinnamon. Mustikkapiirakka is typically served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

 

Poronkäristys

Poronkäristys, or sautéed reindeer, is a traditional Finnish dish that is made with tender reindeer meat, onions, and butter. The dish is typically served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickles.

 

Riisipuuro

Riisipuuro, or rice porridge, is a simple and comforting dish that is a staple in Finnish cuisine. It's made with short-grain rice, milk, and sugar and is typically served with cinnamon and butter.

 

Sima

Sima is a traditional Finnish drink that is made with water, sugar, yeast, and citrus. It's a sweet and refreshing beverage that is typically consumed during the summer months.

 

Siskonmakkarakeitto

Siskonmakkarakeitto, or Finnish sausage soup, is a hearty and filling soup that is made with Finnish sausage, potatoes, onions, and cream. It's a perfect dish for a cold winter day and is typically served with rye bread and butter.

 

Salmiakki

Salmiakki, or Finnish salted licorice, is a unique and divisive candy that is a favorite in Finland. It's made with ammonium chloride, which gives it a salty and slightly bitter flavor. Salmiakki is typically consumed in small quantities and is often enjoyed as a palate cleanser after a meal.

 

Graavilohi

Graavilohi, or cured salmon, is a popular dish in Finnish cuisine. It's made by rubbing fresh salmon with salt, sugar, and dill and then allowing it to cure for a few days. The result is a flavorful and delicate fish that is typically served with rye bread and mustard sauce.

 

Karjalanpiirakka

Karjalanpiirakka, or Karelian pies, are small pastries that are filled with rice porridge or mashed potatoes. The crust is made with rye flour and the pies are typically served with egg butter.

 

Ruisleipä

Ruisleipä, or Finnish rye bread, is a staple in Finnish cuisine. It's a dense and hearty bread that is made with rye flour, water, salt, and yeast. Ruisleipä is typically served with butter, cheese, or cold cuts.

 

Lihapullat

Lihapullat, or Finnish meatballs, are a classic comfort food in Finland. They are made with ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices, and are typically served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickles.

 

Pannukakku

Pannukakku, or Finnish oven pancake, is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for breakfast or brunch. It's made with eggs, milk, flour, and sugar and is typically served with jam or fresh berries.

 

Saaristolaisleipä

Saaristolaisleipä, or archipelago bread, is a type of bread that is popular in the Finnish archipelago. It's a dense and hearty bread that is made with rye flour, wheat flour, and malt syrup. Saaristolaisleipä is typically served with butter, cheese, or cold cuts.

 

Hernekeitto

Hernekeitto, or Finnish pea soup, is a classic Finnish dish that is typically served on Thursdays. It's made with dried peas, pork, onions, and carrots, and is typically served with rye bread and mustard.

 

Karjalanpaistiliha

Karjalanpaistiliha, or Karelian meat stew, is a hearty and flavorful stew that is perfect for cold Finnish winters. It's made with beef or pork, root vegetables, and a variety of spices, and is typically served with mashed potatoes or rye bread.

 

Sienikeitto

Sienikeitto, or mushroom soup, is a rich and flavorful soup that is made with fresh mushrooms, cream, and onions. It's typically served with rye bread and butter and is a perfect dish for a cold winter day.

 

Mämmi

Mämmi is a traditional Finnish dessert that is typically consumed around Easter. It's made with rye flour, water, molasses, and spices, and is typically served with cream or milk.

 

Lohileipä

Lohileipä, or Finnish salmon sandwich, is a popular lunchtime dish in Finland. It's made with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh dill, and is typically served on rye bread.

 

Korvapuusti

Korvapuusti, or Finnish cinnamon roll, is a sweet and delicious pastry that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The dough is made with flour, butter, sugar, and yeast, and is filled with a cinnamon and sugar mixture. Korvapuusti is typically served with coffee or tea.

 

Poropiirakka

Poropiirka, or reindeer pie, is a traditional Finnish dish that is typically consumed in Lapland. It's made with reindeer meat, potatoes, and onions, and is typically served with lingonberry jam.

 

Leipäjuusto

Leipäjuusto, or Finnish squeaky cheese, is a traditional Finnish cheese that is made with cow's milk. It's a dense and chewy cheese that is typically grilled or pan-fried and served with cloudberry jam.

 

Klimppisoppa

Klimppisoppa, or Finnish dumpling soup, is a traditional Finnish soup that is typically made with beef or pork dumplings and vegetables. The dumplings are made with breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs, and are cooked in the soup until they are tender.

 

Conclusion:

Finland is a country with a rich culinary heritage, and its cuisine is full of delicious and unique dishes. From the hearty meat dishes of Lapland to the delicate flavors of smoked salmon and crayfish, there is something for everyone in Finnish cuisine. Whether you're a foodie looking for a new culinary adventure or just looking to try some traditional Finnish dishes, the 25 foods on this list are a great place to start. So why not give them a try and see what all the fuss is about?